Freedom Group Wins BBC Contract on Ascension Island - 10 March 2011

Freedom Group has been awarded a contract with BBC World Service working on the Atlantic Relay Power System on Ascension Island. The work is due to commence in June 2011 and is targeted for completion by early August 2011.

Ascension Island is an isolated island in the South Atlantic Ocean, located approximately midway between Brazil and Africa. The Atlantic Relay Station was opened in 1967 by the BBC. It currently broadcasts to an audience of over 40m people in West and Central Africa. The facility also provides electricity and desalinated water for the Island.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for Freedom - the project itself is a relatively small one, but the location and environment present us with some unusual and complex logistical challenges" commented Bob Booth, Managing Director of Freedom Network Services Division.

Freedom's work will involve the installation of 2.7km of 11kV cable to create a link on the BBC's electricity system. Approximately 400m of 11kV overhead lines will be replaced, as well as switchgear. The BBC will benefit from Freedom's full turnkey delivery and project management capability.